Name: Penny Beaumont
Hometown: Hooper, NE
Accounting
Years at PVE: 30
The Fremont store has seen its share of change over the years. With the adoption of technology, the business looks different today than it did 30 years ago. Penny knows that better than almost anyone. She’s been a resilient member of the Platte Valley Equipment team throughout the enhancements.
“When I started, we had one computer in the office and it wasn’t even mine,” Penny recalled. “It was mainly used to remote in to John Deere company.”
Penny began her career in Fremont answering the phone, balancing cash accounts and managing accounts receivable.
“Every sale was handwritten,” said Penny. “When there was a charge, we would have to pull out the customer’s form from the A/R file, write down the date and information and re-file it. Everything was kept in ledger books.”
When the Fremont store transitioned to the digital business system, Penny had the opportunity to take the Deere training. She traveled to Moline to learn how to use the computer and new system.
Today, Penny utilizes technology to improve her efficiency. As a jack-of-all-trades in the accounting department, Penny’s role includes various behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep the business running smoothly. A few of those include new employee onboarding, payroll processing, sales tax management, and bank statement reconciliation.
“The computer was my favorite technology change,” Penny said. “When we first got on the system, we had these big old boxy things that were horrible. Now, I have a laptop that I can just grab and go. It’s a good change from ledger books and handwritten tickets.”
Penny most enjoys the people she works with, customers she serves, and the supportive family atmosphere at Platte Valley. Her dedication to the company and customer support is what earned her the nomination for Pride of Platte Valley.
“Penny is the person you go to when you have a question,” said Cindy Evert, PVE accounting manager. “If she doesn’t have the answer she won’t give up until she finds it. Her knowledge and attention to detail make her a very important part of the accounting department at PVE.”
Outside of work, Penny enjoys cruising with her beau, Ted, in one of their classic cars. She also enjoys four-wheeling, seeing the country on their Harley, and finding new classics to add to their collection.
Congratulations on your nomination as Fremont’s Pride of Platte Valley!
